Fleece is a popular fabric choice for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightweight comfort. Whether it’s your favorite fleece hoodie, cozy blanket, or winter jacket, proper care is essential to maintain its fluffy texture and vibrant appearance.
Unfortunately, incorrect washing can lead to pilling, flattening, or even shrinking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to wash fleece fabric properly, helping you extend the life of your garments and keep them feeling like new.
What Makes Fleece Unique?
Before diving into the washing process, it’s helpful to understand what fleece is and why it requires special care. Fleece is a synthetic fabric, usually made from polyester or a polyester blend. It’s known for its brushed surface, which traps air to provide insulation. Unlike natural fabrics like cotton or wool, fleece dries quickly, resists water, and doesn’t retain odors easily.
However, fleece’s fluffy surface is prone to friction, which can cause pilling or matting over time. Using the right washing method reduces these risks and keeps the fabric soft and breathable.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Fleece Fabric
Step 1. Read the Care Label
Always begin by checking the care label on your fleece garment or blanket. While most fleece items are machine washable, some may have unique recommendations—especially if they contain bonded layers, special coatings, or blended fibers.
If the label says “cold wash only” or “gentle cycle,” follow those instructions strictly to avoid damaging the fibers.
Step 2. Sort Laundry Carefully
Keep fleece separate from rough fabrics like denim, towels, or items with zippers or Velcro. These can cause abrasion and increase the chance of pilling. Ideally, wash fleece items with other soft garments or on their own.
This also prevents lint transfer from other fabrics, especially if you’re washing bright or dark-colored fleece that tends to attract lint easily.
Step 3. Turn Inside Out
Before placing fleece in the washing machine, turn the garment or blanket inside out. This reduces surface friction during the wash cycle and helps maintain the outer texture of the fleece.
Turning items inside out also helps preserve color vibrancy and protects any logos or decorative stitching.
Step 4. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
Cold water is essential when washing fleece. Hot water can break down the fibers and cause shrinkage or warping. Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle to minimize agitation, which can damage the fleece pile.
Avoid using the heavy-duty or high-spin settings, as these are too aggressive for the soft, brushed surface of fleece.
Step 5. Choose a Mild Detergent
Use a mild, liquid detergent without bleach, fabric softeners, or optical brighteners. Harsh chemicals can strip away the natural softness of fleece and leave behind residues that reduce breathability.
Fabric softeners, in particular, can coat fleece fibers and interfere with moisture-wicking capabilities, so they should be avoided entirely.
Step 6. Avoid Bleach and Strong Additives
Never use bleach or stain removers that contain chlorine. These can damage the synthetic fibers and lead to yellowing or hardening of the fabric. For spot cleaning, use a diluted vinegar solution or a small amount of gentle soap.
If you need to treat a stain, apply the detergent directly to the area and gently blot—never scrub.
How to Dry Fleece Without Damage
1. Air Dry for Best Results
Air drying is the safest method to preserve fleece’s texture and structure. Lay the item flat on a clean towel or drying rack and reshape it to its original form. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers.
If you hang fleece garments, use wide hangers to prevent stretching at the shoulders.
2. Tumble Dry with Caution
If you need to use a dryer, select a low-heat or air-dry setting. High heat can melt or damage synthetic fibers, causing the fleece to lose its softness and form. Remove the item promptly once it’s dry to prevent wrinkling.
To reduce static, toss in a dryer ball made of wool—avoid dryer sheets, which act like fabric softeners and can coat the fleece.
Extra Tips for Long-Term Fleece Care
1. Store Properly
Fold fleece garments or blankets and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid overcrowding them in drawers or bags, as compressing fleece for long periods can flatten the fabric and reduce its fluffiness.
2. Remove Pills Carefully
If you notice small pills forming on the surface, gently remove them with a fabric shaver or a sweater comb. Avoid scissors or razors, which can cut the fabric.
3. Limit Washing Frequency
Fleece doesn’t absorb sweat or odors easily, so you don’t need to wash it after every wear. Washing only when necessary can extend its lifespan and preserve its soft feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Fleece
- Using hot water: This can shrink or warp fleece.
- Adding fabric softeners: These coat the fibers and reduce breathability.
- Overloading the washing machine: Too much friction can lead to pilling.
- Drying on high heat: Fleece is synthetic and can melt or become stiff.
- Skipping the care label: Always read instructions specific to the item.
Conclusion
Fleece fabric is incredibly durable when cared for correctly. By washing fleece properly—using cold water, gentle cycles, mild detergent, and low heat—you’ll preserve its softness, warmth, and longevity. Whether you’re maintaining a fleece jacket, blanket, or hoodie, these simple washing tips can keep your favorite items looking and feeling like new.
At Fanda Fabrics, we understand the importance of quality and care, which is why our fleece materials are designed to endure both comfort and wear. For more fabric care tips and high-quality fleece products, visit fandafabrics.com today.
